Southampton reportedly want a central defender after signing Che Adams

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Southampton have not bid for Portuguese international striker Andre Silva as they are now prioritising their defence, according to the Daily Echo.

They report that Silva won’t be joining Che Adams and Danny Ings in attack at St Mary’s next season, as Ralph Hasenhuttl’s next priority is a new central defender.

That’s apparently where the next signing through the door will play, as Hasenhuttl sets about tightening up his backline ahead of a season where real progress looks possible.

The Premier League’s mid-table re-emerged last season and that’s where Southampton should be aiming – it’s a very realistic goal if they carry on their improvement under Hasenhuttl.

Mark Hughes brought in expensive central defenders but Southampton have found themselves with a backline that isn’t hugely mobile or confident with the ball at its feet.

Hasenhuttl has made Southampton far more threatening going forward, returning pace and variety to their frontline, but his Saints revolution also requires greater stability at the back.

Silva is a hugely talented striker, but it’s understandable that Hasenhuttl doesn’t want to spend big on another striker when he has just signed Adams.

It remains to be seen who the new defender will be, but the Daily Mirror – 02/07, page 49 – report that Jack Stephens could be set to leave and join Aston Villa, which may help fund the deal.